The pool has been hired for our exclusive use and everyone is welcome to come along for as long as you like – all ages and siblings welcome!

We have some individual 15 minute structured teaching lessons that you can now book in advance – please email ailith@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk if you would like to book a lesson with Sharon or Callum. The lessons will run throughout the session but everyone is free to swim in the rest of the pool for the whole session.

Please also help us to monitor attendance and the demand for the sessions by completing the register which will be on the poolside at each session.

Extra Information

One pool with a shallow and deep end.

The changing rooms are on the poolside with more changing rooms just off the swimming pool area.

There is a balcony area for spectators; accessible via steps (no lift access to the balcony area).

Our Mini Movers sessions are back by popular demand with earlier classes starting from 1130 am. We understood that families were wanting to attend these sessions earlier in the year but our original slots weren’t always at appropriate times, so we’ve moved them forward to enable more to join!

Information

Katie Aynsley, who runs the sessions, has four years’ experience of working with children, young people and adults with disabilities. She has worked towards becoming a freelance dance teacher where she has volunteered, assisted and taught various dance sessions within the community. She now works with local dance organisations Mesh Dance and Phoenix Dance theatre who provide dance within the community for children and young people with additional needs.

Using an inclusive approach the Mini Movers Dance Sessions are created to encourage the children to explore their imagination and use their bodies through play and movement. Props, music and singing are used to promote a creative environment where the children can have fun and the sessions are made accessible to all.

Join us!

Mini Movers is a FREE session, so no need to pre book – just turn up and get ready to boogie!

Our Early Development Group for children aged 12 months to 2-years-old.

We will be using tools, resources & techniques from See & Learn, the Early Years Developmental Journal, The Portage Model and linking with our Speech & Language therapists to ensure consistency & continuity.

Our long term aim will be to eventually develop more groups to include all pre-school ages. If you would be interested in a place for your child in these groups please email ailith@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk or ring 07902 054355.

Extra Information

Runs on a Friday morning, every 2 weeks.

1 hour of structured support & learning followed by 30 minutes of social time with snacks.

It’s nearly 3 weeks since we opened our Shop and Café, 21 Co. and we can’t quite believe the amount of support we’ve received.

We want to reach out and thank everyone who has been a part of our journey so far, whether it’s a donation, volunteering, or popping in to see how we’re doing. It all means so much. Not forgetting the amount of coverage we’ve received locally, nationally, and internationally on radio, TV, and online.

The idea of offering young adults who have Down Syndrome opportunities to gain work experience had always been a distant dream of ours, one we didn’t think we’d be able to achieve within 5 years of becoming a charity. This is only the beginning of something great, and we only hope that we can continue to develop our café and to ensure other young adults who have Down Syndrome are given the same opportunities.

Since our Café 21 pop up at Carousel in March last year we have been looking for a long-term venue to have our very own shop and more importantly; offer work experience and training opportunities to our young adults who have Down Syndrome. We are extremely excited for this next chapter, and we invite you to join us on this journey. Not only will this be a great hub for our families too, but an opportunity to raise funds for the charity also.

The Independent – Dan Rowlands / SWNS.com Sky News came to visit!

Ailith Harley-Roberts, service manager at Sunshine & Smiles said,

National statistics show that only 17 per cent of all adults with a learning disability are in paid employment. Clearly, it can be difficult for the young people we support to get the work experience and training they need to secure jobs.

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